Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-01-29

ened ana suodued by the spirit which the
young man displayed when reused. He
bent over his desk and began fdgetine
about with the papers upon it, but he
could not refrain from firing parting
shot.
You say you have not spoken to Mr.
Martineau about your engagement to his
daughter" he remarked, as Jack reached
the door
Not at present must now, and
take my chance" said the young man,
rather ruefully.
AT all events, shall feel it my duty
TO put Mr.. Martineau on his guard, " said
old Josiah, taking up a pen with q ner-
vOus gesture He is an old friend, and
as you are my nephew | consider that
ought to acquaint him with what Is 60
ing on"
There is no occasion for your inter
ference, Uncle Josiah said Jack, taking
an angry stride into the room.
II am the best judge of that" returned
! his uncle.
Look here, uncle" said Jack, lifting
his finger warningly, "leave me to man
age my own affairs / promise that !
will Immediately inform Mr.. Martiness
of my engagement TO his daughter. There
is no need whatever TO put yourself for
ward; and what is more" added the
young man, with rising color; ''if you do
you shall repent it, Now mind thati'
Old Josiah Flegg was naturally indig.
nant at his nephew's menacing tone, but
he did not venture to say another word,
and allowed Jack to depart without
further interruption. To tell the truth,
he felt vaguely uneasy at the threat which
had been addressed TO him, without quite
knowing why. He could not conceive that
it was within the power of his nephew to
do him any harm, and yet his cowardly
nature WINGED at what he regarded as an
empty boast. However, he was not suf-
ficiently IMPRESSED 10 be deferred from
carrying out his intention. IL it had only
been a question of embarrassing his
nephew, he might have resisted the temptsr
ton, out of the abundance of his caution.
But he was rather proud Of his acquaint-
ance with Mr.. Martineau, who as a rich
and successful rYeculator in his own line
Of business, was the object of his peculiar
regard and veneration. Anything he
could do which might be interpreted into
a favor or Obligation would no doubt in
the end prove profitable to himself, and he
could not doubt that he would earn Mr..
Martineau's gratitude by opening his eyes
to his daughters engagement, and warn
ing him of his would-be sou-in-lsw's char
acter and prospects. Old Josiah Flegg
was too grasping to lose the least oppor-
tunity of promoting the interests of his
business, while he was mean enough not
TO be overscrupulous about the methods
he employed
He therefore put ON his hat and called
Immediately at Mr.. Martineau's Office,
where, to his great relief, he saw no sign
of Jack. He had the satisfaction Of i'm
parting to his friend the first intimation
of his daughters engagement, and of re-
ceiving his warm thanks for his trouble.
He was a little. disappointed TO find that
Mr.. Martineau, though as ayerse as other
rich men TO a poor son-in-law, showed
considerable liking for Jack, and spoke
half regretfully of putting a stop to the
engagement, as though very little per-
suasion from an influential quarter would
have made him sanction it. But old Jo-
siah was careful not to urge his nephew's
suit, and TO account for his reticence he
felt impelled to drop few insignificant
hints about Jacks character from his
point of view. The result was that Mr..
Martineau was seized with sudden indig-
nation, for he sat down then and there
and penned a brief note to poor Jack
which could hardly fail to convince him of
the utter hopelessness of his aspirations.
Old Josiah endeavored to convince him.
seh that he had only discharged an un-
pleasant, but unavoidable, duty; but he
did not enjoy his triumph so much as he
had anticipated. Jacks words of warn
ng still rang in his ears, and consequently
when his nephew was announced the fol-
lowing afternoon, he felt disagreeably ap-
prehensive.
Il have had note from Mr. Martineau, |
uncle" said the young man, seating him
self gravely; land as it arrived before |
had time to call upon him, it is evident |
that am indebted TO your kind offices" |
II told you l should inform Mr.. Mar
tineau," said old Josiah, endeayoring TO |
hide his confusion.
And told you that you would repent |
doing so," retorted Jack, with ominous |
calmess. Now, Uncle Josiah, your un- |
friendly conduct has just nerved me to |
perform, on my part, an unpleasant duty. |
have had it on my mind TO speak to you |
for some time, but the fear Of hurting your |
feelings has hitherto restrained me- How |
ever, you haven't spared my feelings, have |
you, uncles'
What are you driving ati'' inquired old |
Josiah, sharply.
81 want to know, Uncle Josiah, whether |
my fathers money, of which you are sole |
trustee, is invested in accordance with the |
terms of his willy'' said Jack, gravely
Old Josiah started as though he had
been stung, and turned crimson all over
his bald head.
"What do you meant he cried, POM
pously. Have you come here to accuse
your fathers brother of theft"
NO, Uncle Josiah. I am sure that
every farthing Of the money is intact" said
Jack, with evident sincerity. But how
is it invested That is the question"
What concern is that of yours" roared
old Josiah. 1T is my affair, and am
II want to ask you a plain question,
Uncle Josiah, said Jack, looking straight
at him. lis it not the fact that the
whole of my fathers money is invested in
your businesss"
What if it is'' exclaimed old Josiah,
defiantly, so taken aback that he was un-
able to utter the denial which rose invol-
to his lips.
81 have long suspected this" said
Jack, land, though l have hesitated to
broach the subject, my mind is fully
made up as TO the course to take. The
money must be properly invested i'm
Pooh! you don't know what you are
talking about" cried his uncle, getting
redder and hotter and more uneasy every
''Yes, | do, and have taken proper ad-
vice. Unless you will promise me that
the money shall be Immediately with
drawn from the risks Of your business
shall bring an action against you in chan
gerry" said Jack, quietly.
Uncle Josiah was too much upset and